Boys & Girls Club SCV names Ari Larson Scholarship winner Marlene Garcia for the 2024 graduating class. Photo credit Boys & Girls Club SCV.
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From the Desk of CEO Jan Marholin

Dear Friends of the Club,

We decided to join our July & August newsletters together because of what busy of a summer we had! From field trips, to our annual Kids STEM Day, to gearing back up for school to start, there hasn’t been a dull day!

As our summer programs have been in full effect, we have a theme across the board, “Around the World.” We have been “traveling” country to country learning about different cultures, trying various foods and even exposure to new languages! I remember, I was walking across the gym and I see this group of kids creating their very own pretzel! It was very heartwarming seeing our little ones trying to make the pretzel knot! I guess that week was Germany!

On July 12th, we hosted our annual Kids STEM Day! If you are unfamiliar with that event, we bus up all of our kids from all BGCSCV clubs to the Santa Paula site. It is an afternoon of excitement, activities and adventure. I was so excited to see that for the first time, we had a boat! Thanks to our friends over at United Water Conservation District for allowing our youth to board a boat and feel like a captain, even if they were in the parking lot! Amongst other things, on site we had VCFD fire truck, VCSO SWAT and Bomb Squad, as well as tons of other organizations. See the graphic down below to see all who attended! I would especially like to thank our title sponsors, Gene Haas Foundation, US Bank & The Port of Hueneme! Thank you to the Fillmore Fire Foundation and Fillmore Rotary Club for donating hamburgers and hot dogs and their time barbecuing for everyone! Lastly a thank you to all of my staff, board members & volunteers for coming together for the sake of our youth to create a memorable day for all. This truly was one of our best Kids STEM Day yet!

As summer comes to a close, we make it part of our mission to make sure each member starts school with a new backpack and supplies to begin the new academic school year. With help from donors and supporter like you, you can help us raise funds to keep this program alive. If you wish to support us in this effort please feel free to donate to our Back to School Ask Campaign! You can make checks payable to BGCSCV and mail to PO Box 152. Santa Paula, CA 93061 or visit our website and donate using the link below!

https://bgclubscv.org/how-to-help/support-the-club/donate-now.html
As always, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for your consistent support of our club!
Staying cool as a cucumber,

Jan Marholin, CEO

Right before the end of the school year, Fillmore High School hosted their Annual Awards Night! We were excited to award Marlene Garcia with the Ari Larson Scholarship for the 2024 graduating class. Below is Marlene’s essay that won our hearts. Special thank you to Board Member, Scott Beylik for heading this process.

Ari Larson Scholarship Recipient Marlene Garcia essay:

Growing up as the middle child in a family of five, with both parents hailing from Mexico, has given me a unique perspective on life. My mom’s journey as a first-generation college graduate who became a preschool teacher is nothing short of inspiring. Her dedication to education and the profound impact she has on her students have deeply influenced my vocational aspirations. Seeing her commitment to shaping young minds and making a positive difference in their lives has inspired me to follow in her footsteps. Her dedication, compassion, and ability to connect with students have shown me the true value of education and fueled my own desire to become a teacher. I aspire to have the same impact on future generations, just like my mom has had on me. Simultaneously, I have nurtured a deep love for soccer, and my dream of playing the sport I adore at the collegiate level has always burned brightly. The thrill of the game, the camaraderie with teammates, and the drive to constantly improve have fueled my passion for the sport.

Soccer has taught me valuable life lessons such as teamwork, perseverance, and discipline. I cannot imagine my life without the joy and challenges that soccer brings. Getting recruited to play soccer at Westcliff University has been an incredible blessing. It not only allows me to continue playing the sport I love but also provides an opportunity to pursue a degree in education. This unique combination aligns perfectly with my career goal of becoming a teacher. Attending Westcliff University allows me to pursue my long-term goals effectively. The university’s strong education program ensures that I receive the necessary training and support to become a successful teacher. At the same time, the collegiate-level soccer program provides a competitive environment that pushes me to grow as an athlete. Being able to balance my academic pursuits with my athletic passion is a dream come true.

Since my freshman year at Fillmore High School, I’ve been an integral part of the girls’ varsity soccer team. Over the past four years, I’ve amassed a collection of accolades, including being named twice to the All-CIF Southern Section 1st Team and the VC Stars All-County 1st Team. I was voted as the #1 girls soccer player in Ventura County this year by the VC Star. My offensive skills earned me the Citrus Coast League Offensive MVP, and my academic dedication resulted in 4x Academic All-League honors. In addition to my high school achievements, I’ve proudly represented Southern California at the Far West Championships through the US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program showcasing my abilities on a larger stage in Arizona and Utah.

Back in 2012, I started going to the Boys and Girls Club here in Fillmore right after school. Let me tell you, I absolutely loved that place! Every day, I couldn’t wait for that final bell to ring so I could rush over there. There were so many awesome things to do at the club. I mean, we had arts and crafts where I could let my creativity go wild. And those sports games? They had me running around like crazy, but I had a blast. Oh, and the homework help sessions were a lifesaver. They made tackling those tough assignments a whole lot easier. But do you know what really made the club special? The people. The staff and those awesome teen mentors were like superheroes. They were always there to guide me, listen to me, and give me the best advice. They made such a huge impact on me, and I wanted to be just like them.

So, when I got to high school, I joined the mentor club. It was my chance to go back to the place that had given me so much. I wanted to be there for the kids, just like the mentors were there for me. It was like coming full circle, you know? Being a mentor at the Boys and Girls Club was incredible. I got to help kids with their homework, play games with them, and just be a positive influence in their lives. It was like reliving those amazing days I had as a kid, but this time, I had the chance to make a difference. It’s crazy how life works sometimes. The club shaped me into the person I am today, and now I get to help shape others. It’s such a special feeling. Being a part of the mentor club was also another hug factor that influenced my decision to pursue education and become an elementary school teacher.

In 10 years, I envision myself holding a degree in education, having navigated the academic waters without accruing debt, and planting my roots in the vibrant city of San Diego. There, I dream of stepping into the classroom each day, ready to inspire and shape young minds, guiding them through the wonders of learning, one child at a time.

Tons of rides and food attractions are waiting for you at this year’s Ventura County Fair. Come enjoy the ocean air and Uptown Funk flair of the Bruno Mars Tribute, or the tributes to Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown, Jimmy Buffet, Morgan Wallen, and the Spazmatics. Or get your groove on at the Flying U Rodeo! Inset, Petunia the Spider Pig and Bubbles are waiting to showoff their natural beauty to visitors! Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
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It’s the 150th birthday of the Ventura County Fair and you’re invited! Join us for the 2024 Ventura County Fair, where we promise an unforgettable celebration filled with exciting rides, live entertainment, and delicious food, July 31-August 11, open daily from noon to midnight.

Military Appreciation Day on Thursday, August 8, members of the military with a current, valid ID get in free.
First Responder Day is Thursday, August 8, individual First Responder admission is free.
(Presented By: American Vision Windows)
Friday, August 9, is Food Share Day, donate 5 cans and receive a Buy One, Get One Free admission for this date only. Ticket must be purchased onsite.

For our 150th birthday and we are celebrating with incredible entertainment! And this year, we’re giving fairgoers options. You can GO FREE or GO VIP! This year, the Grandstand Arena has a whole new look with a bigger stage facing the bleachers.
GO FREE: Fairgoers can still attend concerts for free. First come, first served. Gates will open early before each show at 4pm.

GO VIP: Fairgoers can upgrade their concert experience by going VIP. VIP seating and standing areas are in the arena. To GO VIP, you must purchase an additional ticket. (Concert Series Presented By: Chumash Casino Resort, Grandstand Arena Presented By: 805 Beer, Tito’s Pre-party presented by Tito’s Vodka.)

Entertainment Schedule:

Thursday, August 8, Spazmatics; Friday, August 9, Key West Coast – Tributes to Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown and Jimmy Buffet; Saturday, August 10, 7 Summers – Morgan Wallen Tribute; and Sunday, August 11, Uptown Funk – A Salute to Bruno Mars. (805 Stage Presented By 805 Beer.)

Flying U Rodeo: All attendees require a ticket. Tickets will be available online and also onsite for purchase during the Fair.

Friday, August 9 – 7:00pm
Saturday, August 10 – 2:00pm
Saturday, August 10 – 7:00pm
Sunday, August 11 – 2:00pm
Sunday, August 11 – 7:00pm
$8 – $10 per ticket depending on seat location

Submitted by Oliva Nava, Fillmore FFA Reporter

Fillmore FFA is excited to welcome Mr. Salvador Lopez to Fillmore High School. Mr. Lopez is an alumnus at FHS and he was an involved FFA member serving as an officer and earning his American degree. Mr. Lopez is the 8th child in his family of 12 which have all been through the FFA program. He grew up in Bardsdale, which got him into agriculture by working in the citrus and avocado where he changed irrigation lines and cared for the trees. That helped Mr. Lopez grow his passion for agriculture. He raised steers all 4 years of high school. On the side, he raised 942 chickens, 13 dairy goats, 3 sheep, 3 pigs, ducks, and a heifer. Mr. Lopez attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and earned his credential; he has been part of the Carpinteria FFA for the past 5 years. Fillmore FFA is excited for the passion and dedication Mr. Lopez brings to the chapter and is looking forward to learning from him this school year.

Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/-photo?fbid=10162113248548804&set=pcb.10162109383553804.
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The City of Fillmore and community partners have created a Resource List of Disability Services available to people of all ages living with disabilities and their families and caretakers. They include everything from independent living to senior resources to transportation services to youth adaptive sports available to all Fillmore youth. Also, when you open the link below, the document has links that take you directly to each programs’ website. There are many people and families of people living with disabilities in our communities who may not be aware of these great resources that are available to them. https://www.fillmoreca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/747/Disability-Resource-D....

On 07/23/2024, two suspects were arrested in Fillmore for Identity Theft and related crimes.

On 07/22/2024, Fillmore patrol deputies responded to the 100 Block of B Street in Fillmore reference a mail theft. Residents called to report a community mailbox had been broken into and several people had their mail stolen.

During the nighttime hours, a victim called Sheriff’s Dispatch to report their credit card had been fraudulently used at a local motel. Fillmore patrol deputies responded to the motel and located evidence related to the mail and identity thefts. Additionally, patrol personnel identified a suspect vehicle, and (S) Vanessa Lopez out of Moreno Valley as a person of interest.

On 07/23/2024, during the early morning hours, patrol personnel located the suspect’s vehicle in the 100 block of Surrey Way in Fillmore. Detectives from the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation responded to assist.

At about 0245 hours, Fillmore detectives and patrol deputies contacted and detained Lopez near the suspect vehicle. She was with a male identified as (S) Ryan Araujo from Rialto. During the detention, additional evidence linking both Lopez and Araujo to the mail and identity thefts was discovered.

Ultimately, both Lopez and Araujo were arrested for several offenses including Penal Code § 182(a)(1) – [Conspiracy to Commit a Crime], 530.5(e) – [Mail Theft], 484(g) – [Fraudulent Use of Access Card], and 530.5(c)(3) – [Identity Theft of Ten Victims or More]. Araujo was additionally arrested for Penal Code § 148.9(a) – [Providing False Information to Peace Officer], 529(a)(3) – [False Impersonation of Another], and Health & Safety Code § 11377(a) – [Possession of a Controlled Substance].

Both Lopez and Araujo were transported to the Pre-Trial Detention Facility (PTDF) where they were booked for the aforementioned offenses pending court proceedings.

Nature of Incident: Suspects Arrested for Identity Theft
Report Number: 24-90995
Location: 100 Block of B Street, Fillmore
Date & Time: 05/28/2024, 12:30 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol, Fillmore Bureau of Investigation, Advanced Real Time Information Center (ARTIC)

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(V) Multiple Residents Fillmore
(S) Vanessa Lopez Moreno Valley 45
(S) Ryan Araujo Rialto 30

Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote
News Release Date: 07/23/2024
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

A 15-year-old Fillmore resident was arrested for graffiti vandalism crimes and participating in a criminal street gang within the city of Fillmore.

Graffiti vandalism is an eyesore that directly affects the quality of life in our communities. If left unchecked, graffiti can decrease property values and lead to the deterioration of entire neighborhoods. Graffiti may also be the catalyst for additional, more serious crimes affecting our communities. The removal of graffiti costs homeowners, business owners and taxpayers thousands of dollars each year. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is committed to responding to public concerns in a manner that builds confidence in our agency and strengthens relationships to empower businesses and residents to be the eyes and ears of the community.

During the month of July 2024, deputies assigned to the Fillmore Patrol Station conducted a self-initiated investigation in response to a rise in gang-related graffiti vandalism crimes in the City of Fillmore. Deputies were able to identify several “Hot Spot” areas that had been vandalized, coordinated resources and collected evidence to identify a male juvenile responsible for some of the graffiti vandalism crimes. Furthermore, patrol deputies were able to specifically show the graffiti vandalism was perpetrated in furtherance of a local criminal street gang. Patrol deputies sought and obtained a search warrant for the residence where the male juvenile was residing, located in the 900 block of Fourth Street, Fillmore.

On July 19, 2024, Fillmore patrol deputies and detectives served the search warrant at the male juvenile’s residence. During the search warrant, detectives seized additional evidence related to the graffiti vandalisms and items further connecting the juvenile to the criminal street gang. The Ventura County Probation Agency will be forwarded the facts and circumstances of this case, alleging the juvenile was in violation of Penal Code § 549(b)(2)(A) – Graffiti Vandalism and Penal Code § 186.22(d) – Participation in a Criminal Street Gang. The Ventura County Probation Agency reviews the case to determine whether a case should be referred to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration or handled informally by the probation agency. The juvenile was released to his mother pending consideration by the Ventura County Probation Agency and District Attorney’s Office.

The Fillmore Police Department encourages citizens to immediately report suspicious people and
vehicles, and to promptly report any graffiti they come across by calling our dispatch center at (805) 654-9511. Following a police investigation, all graffiti should be immediately removed. Anyone with information pertaining to any crimes is urged to contact The Fillmore Police Station at (805) 524-2233 or the listed detectives below. The reporting party may remain anonymous.

Graffiti Removal
The city removes all graffiti in public areas by either painting over it or by using a power washer, depending upon the location of the graffiti. Residents are encouraged to call the city graffiti hotline at (805) 524-1500 prompt number 4 then 3. Additionally, private property owners are encouraged to help combat vandalism by removing any graffiti visible on their properties.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Fillmore Police Department are committed to increasing and strengthening community partnerships and utilizing technologies and evidence-based practices to enhance collaborative efforts at reducing crime and improving public safety of all residents by continued community partnerships. Join us in the fight on crime by following us on X @VENTURASHERIFF, Facebook, Instagram @ VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.

Nature of Incident: Gang-Related Graffiti Vandalism Arrest
Report Number: 24-72893
Location: 900 Block of Fourth Street, Fillmore

Date & Time: July 19th, 2024, at 7:10 A.M.

Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol Services
Fillmore Investigations

Suspect City of Residence Age
Male Juvenile Fillmore 15

Prepared by: Detective Dustin Heershe
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

Valley Express Bus & Dial-A-Ride and the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) are excited to announce that a new bus route connecting the cities of Fillmore and Moorpark will start in August.

The Fillmore-Moorpark Route, which will begin service Aug. 1, will provide a direct one-seat ride between the cities of Fillmore and Moorpark using the Highway 23/Grimes Canyon corridor.

The fixed-route service will begin at the Fillmore Terminal, 533 Central Ave. in Fillmore, then proceed to Moorpark. It will make stops at the Moorpark Metrolink station, the Moorpark Marketplace and Moorpark College. The route will connect to eight existing bus routes, including those provided by Valley Express, VCTC, City of Simi Valley Transit, and Moorpark City Transit. The new route will also connect riders to Metrolink and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train service.

The route will operate seven days a week, offering 10 trips on weekdays and five trips on weekends.

Fare information, a schedule and map are available at valleyexpressbus.org/routes/Moorpark.

“The Fillmore to Moorpark Route will provide greater access to employment and education for people living in the Heritage Valley. It will also give visitors another way to come and explore our beautiful city,” said Fillmore Mayor Carrie Broggie, who is also a VCTC commissioner and a member of the Heritage Valley Transit Service Policy Advisory Committee, which oversees Valley Express Bus & Dial-A-Ride.

Moorpark Mayor and VCTC Commissioner Chris Enegren said: “With stops at the Moorpark Marketplace, Moorpark College and Metrolink train station, the new bus route will connect people with an easy, affordable way to go shopping, dine at restaurants and enjoy entertainment locally and beyond Ventura County.”

VCTC Executive Director Martin Erickson said community members have often requested a bus route connecting Fillmore and Moorpark.

“Feedback from riders is an important part of our transit planning process, and we are pleased to be able to offer a new service that directly meets the needs of the community,” Erickson said.
About Valley Express Bus & Dial-A-Ride and VCTC

The Fillmore Police Department Encourages Residents to Participate
in National Night Out on Tuesday, August 6th, 2024.

Fillmore community members are invited to participate in National Night Out, on Tuesday, August 6th, 2024 from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. This is an opportunity to engage in relationship building with deputies, firefighters, and members of various units from the Sheriff’s Office.

National Night Out is an annual crime prevention event and community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie that make our neighborhoods safer all year round. The event will include representatives from several specialized units, including SWAT, K-9 Unit, Bomb Unit, Search and Rescue, Explorers, and Volunteers in Policing. Crumble Cookie and Fillmore Starbucks have been kind enough to donate snacks for this event.

“National Night Out is a great opportunity for local residents to meet and greet different team members assigned to various Sheriff’s Specialized Units for an evening of activities,” said Fillmore Police Chief Eduardo Malagon. “Community partnered policing is more critical than ever before. It’s important for our community members to engage with our team in a positive environment and know that we are truly here to serve them and keep them safe.”

The City of Fillmore, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Fillmore Police Department are committed to maintaining the safety of all residents by continuing community partnerships.

The Fillmore Police Department invites the community to come out and ask questions, get crime prevention advice, and get to know the officers in your neighborhood. Together, we are making communities safer, more caring places to live.

This event will be held at the Fillmore Police Station on Tuesday August 6th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00PM. To learn more about National Night Out in the City of Fillmore, contact Sergeant Jarrod Foote at the Fillmore Police Department, 805-524-2233.

Nature of Incident: National Night Out Event

Location: Fillmore Police Station
524 Sespe Avenue
Fillmore CA, 93015

Date & Time: August 6th, 2024, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Police Department/Fillmore Fire Department

Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

Pictured (l-r) are Rotary President Anna Reilley and guest speakers Danny Golson, John Munoz, Jane Munoz and Ernie Villages. Photo credit Martha Richardson.
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At last week’s Rotary Club of Fillmore meeting Ernie Villegas was the main Rotary speaker who spoke about the Los Veterans of Fillmore and Piru Organization. Many in the group were in Vietnam and came home to anything but a positive welcome. Most didn’t tell anyone they were there and never talked about the experience. They kept it all inside which cause some to get into drugs, alcohol and worse. John Munoz said the main reason for the organization is to bring Vets together to share their experiences. John said in the beginning there were only about 12-13 members who came and today there are 70. It is a time to share and realize they are not alone. They need to share their stories and don’t have to keep it inside anymore. Danny Golson is also in American Vets of America and spoke of helping Vets with benefits and direction. Ernie said they meet for lunch once a month and host a dinner dance once a year. He is also the head of the Veteran’s Day Celebration and parade where Vets ride in classic cars and afterwards have a luncheon. Each branch of the service is represented.